Purina Institute launches free nutrition handbook to support veterinarians

USA – The Purina Institute has released a new digital resource, the Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Well-Pet Nutrition, providing veterinarians with free access to practical, science-based guidance on healthy pet diets. 

Designed as a follow-up to the 2023 Handbook of Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition, the new publication is tailored to help veterinary professionals discuss nutrition with pet owners more effectively.

With 71% of dogs and cats currently on a well-pet diet, the handbook addresses the increasing demand for informed, reliable nutrition advice in veterinary practice. Contributions from 54 experts across 20 countries ensure that the eBook is both globally relevant and evidence-driven.

Science-based, practical support

The handbook covers essential topics such as the functions of nutrients, specialised diets for different life stages, proactive nutrition strategies, and communication techniques to guide discussions with clients. 

Each chapter is concise and accessible, featuring key takeaways, visual aids, and communication tips designed for quick reference in busy clinical environments.

“Nutritional science has evolved significantly, and there are many facets to consider in a well-pet diet, not just from the pet’s perspective, such as life stage, activity level and body condition, but also the owner’s perspective – their lifestyle, budget and preferences,” said Natalia Wagemans, global head of the Purina Institute. 

“This resource simplifies the process of making informed recommendations and can be a vital tool for veterinary professionals to both facilitate nutrition conversations with their clients and provide informed responses to questions.”

Despite 83% of veterinarians agreeing that nutrition is critical to pet health, research from the Purina Institute shows that only 34% discuss nutrition proactively with pet owners. 

By offering a structured, product-agnostic guide, the institute hopes to close this gap and empower veterinary teams to integrate nutrition into routine care.

Part of a wider toolkit

The new well-pet nutrition handbook builds on the Purina Institute’s growing library of resources, which includes the Handbook of Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition, dedicated to nutrition-responsive health conditions, and CentreSquare™, an online toolkit designed to enhance client communication and compliance with nutrition recommendations.

Veterinary professionals can download the Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Well-Pet Nutrition for free at PurinaInstitute.com by registering for scientific communications, including the latest updates in nutritional science, event invitations, and newsletters.

At its core, the handbook seeks to strengthen collaboration between veterinarians, their teams, and pet owners by making nutrition a central part of preventive healthcare – ultimately aiming to improve and extend the healthy lives of pets.

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